updated 08:05 pm EDT, Wed October 7, 2009

Sony launches VAIO X netbook

Sony's unveilings tonight were highlighted by the VAIO X. The 11-inch netbook crossover is billed as the lightest ever notebook and uses a carbon fiber shell to reach a weight of just 1.6 pounds. As it's based on a smaller and cooler running Intel Atom chip, the system can also afford to be extremely thin and measures 0.55 inches thick across its whole length.

The Atom similarly contributes to battery life. Although the stock battery nets a strictly average 3.5 hours of use, a second, extended battery that comes with every system quadruples the longevity to 14 hours. A multi-touch is new to Sony and supports pinching, rotating and similar controls.

VAIO X systems launch at $1,300 and have a 2GHz Atom, 2GB of RAM, a 64GB solid-state drive and Windows 7. Every model has 3G through Verizon as well as data-independent GPS, but a special Signature Collection model at $1,500 both comes in all-gold and doubles the permanent storage to 128GB. Pre-orders begin this evening and will deliver systems next month.

damn

Netbook Crossover?

Huh, it's like a mini-SUV, except a computer. I just see this as a very expensive netbook. It is underpowered with a small screen and small keyboard. The price makes this the antithetical netbook, so might as well call it a notebook, as it costs at least three times as much as a similarly capable netbook. More if you opt for that global economic funk 2009 "Signature Edition" with gold bling.

Overpriced netbook

I can't imagine that an Atom processor running Win 7 is very snappy. The Sony spec page lists nothing about the video performance (probably because there is no performance).

I can add an external battery to my MacBook Pro, too. Big deal. I bet the VAIO X battery life isn't 3.5 hours when using the 3G connection or the GPS. Look at this from the Sony page:

Estimated Battery Life with Standard Battery8 (included)
Default Settings: Up to 3.5 hours
Max. Brightness: Up to 2.5 hours

>>> 3.5 hours is for less than max LCD brightness ---> weak

The market for this kind of device is tiny at this price point. The best use for the VAIO X is e-mail and web surfing (not a desktop replacement or gaming machine). There are MUCH cheaper alternatives. Not many people will hand over an extra $800 just for the cool factor.